Oregon Vortex - House of Mystery

Deep amongst the lush forests of Southern Oregon, between Medford and Grants Pass, a mystery awaits. The Native Americans would not enter the circular phenomenon they pegged "the forbidden ground", a place to be shunned. As the gold rush poured into the area, the Old Grey Eagle Mining Company ignored the warnings, and built an assay office among the spherical field of force that encircles approximately one acre.

In 1920, John Lister, a Scottish born geologist, mining engineer, and physicist, began developing the area, opening it to the public in 1930. Stop in and see for yourself, the unique happenings and bizarre settings at the House of Mystery. Once an assay office turned storage shed, the house still sits in the virtual eye of the Vortex itself. Watch as a bottle appears to roll uphill, people seem to become shorter or taller, depending on whether they are standing North or South. Actually feel the force push against you as you enter the house, attempting to walk straight is a mute point. A spirited guide walks you through as you interact and react to the bizarre happenings in this house of scientific wonder.

Open daily March through October.

March, April, May, September and October 9 am - 4 pm; June, July and August 9 am - 5 pm.

Admission

Ages 12 - 61: $12.75

Ages 6 - 11: $9.00

Ages 62 and above: $10.75

Age 5 and under: free

Contact information:

Phone: 541-855-1543

E-mail: mystery@oregonvortex.com

4303 Sardine Creek left fork

Gold Hill, OR 97525

Add to the Discussion (5)

Rick

7 years ago

Interesting! So you were totally convinced of the uniqueness of the place, Connie? How do they explain it?

Red Hot Adventures

7 years ago

Yes Rick. Absolutely amazing, strange phenomenon. The theory is there is a circular "vortex" 1/2 way beneath the ground and 1/2 way above ground. A vortex is a whirlpool of sorts, think tornado, the twirling in a circular motion. It's like putting 2 magnets together, trying to put North to South, you feel the friction between the two, as they push apart from each other. Very similar situation. In fact, our guide said, "My favorite question is always this...How does it work? My answer is always the same - I don't know!"

Rick

7 years ago

Cool, Konnie...I guess we just need to experience it! :)

Red Hot Adventures

7 years ago

My 23 year old son was so thrilled by it. As he put it, "I thought it was just going to be a few rooms full of exhibits, but it was so cool!" It's actually all outside, except when you enter the house itself...you really do need to see it for yourself!

Rick

7 years ago

Wow, that IS great to improve a potentially jaded 20-something! :)

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Region(s):
Central Oregon
Eastern Oregon
Greater Portland
The Gorge + Mt. Hood
Oregon Coast
Southern Oregon
Willamette Valley